newsCO.com.au–Vic gay men urged to get meningococcal jab

Gay men are being urged to get a free meningococcal vaccination following an outbreak of the deadly disease in Victoria.

Eight cases have been identified across Melbourne since May, almost all in gay and bisexual men, and the vaccines wil be available from December 11 until June 30, the state’s deputy chief health officer Dr Brett Sutton said in a statement on Friday.

The infection can lead to meningitis and sepsis, which can be deadly in up to 10 per cent of cases, and about 20 per cent of people who survive the disease are left with a permanent disability, such as brain damage or the loss of fingers, toes or limbs.